Ultrasound test back - not great

I have numerous fibroids and went to have an ultrasound test yesterday to get the details on where, how many, how big, etc. The technician said it would take 3 - 5 business days for my doctor to get the results. My doctor just called me, not 24 hours after the test, and is having an MRI set up. She also wants me to take a C-125 blood test. Dr. said they can't get a good picture of one of the ovaries. I've never thought of this part of it. Opens up a whole new set of worries. Dr. said she doesn't think its ovarian cancer but wants to make sure with the blood test. Is this a normal, don't-worry-about-it-until-its-true type of thing a Dr. says or the usual way testing goes??

hey bopple,

I had a vaginal ultra sound done on Friday and have multiple large fibroid tumors. I saw the ob/gyn today and have to have a TAH done on March 27th. I have blood work done next week. I am 41 years old. Do you have pelvic pain? My pelvic is killing me. I am on hydrocodone for pain.

not alot of pain, except during two-week long periods. Then seems like severe menstral cramps (at least to me), lower back pain, usually a migraine at the beginning.

Yes, my periods are bad too as well as lower back pain. I feel like I have to urinate all the time. The doctor says the tumors are pushing on my bladder. It seems like since I turned 40 everything is falling apart.

I'm replying again as I think my last post went to email limbo. I hadn't noticed I was going to the bathroom all the time. I'm not a good sleep and am usualy up 2 or 3 times each night. When I get up, I go to the bathroom. 40th birthday is this year.

Hi Bopple,
I am sorry you are going this time of uncertainty. Here are a couple of links regarding the CA 125 test.

CA 125
and
CA 125

As you can see, the CA 125 may or may not indicate ovarian cancer. There are many reasons for an elevated CA 125. Another test that could be done would be a transvaginal ultrasound.

If there is any suspicion of a gyn cancer, please get to a gyn/onc as they are the specialists in this and perform surgery specifically for cancer.

Your doctor sounds like she is looking out for you by having these tests done. Take one test at a time so I would say "don't worry about it until it is true." I know it is easier said than done.

Come here for support and write your questions down that you have for you Dr.

s

Thank you so much. The doctor I am currently seeing is my GYN. We've been dealing with the fibroids and heavy periods for over two years now, even fibroids with my last pregnancy. She's very nice, very calm and seems to be very receptive to questions. Writing questions down is a great idea as my mind tends to go blank when she gives me news of tests and such.

Dear bopple,
If I were you I would try not to be very concerned until you are given a reason to be. I would try to be as proactive in your care as possible but if you have specific questions, you need to ask them. This is from personal experience. In answer to your other question, yes, usually the ultrasound is the first test done and if there is a concern or a questionable result (ie...can't locate an ovary, etc.) then another type of test would be considered or recommended. I had an abdominal ultrasound, then a transvaginal ultrasound, then a CT scan, then blood tests and also an IVP> got new info from each but no definitive answers, so it was on to a laparoscopy. In your case, it seems that MRI or CT scan would be a reasonable next step. Just be aware that CA-125 can be thrown off by fibroids, so it is not usually a recommended screening tool. So stop worrying for now. Calm down and take a deep breath... it truly sounds as if your doc is looking after your best interests. If you have questions, ask her. Good luck and keep us posted on what you find out...Take care.. Tami S in Florida

Wow, thank you very much for your reply. My doctor recommended this site as the most supportive and informative one she's ever found and she was right! Thank you for your suggestions and information. Deep breath helped loads.

Hi bopple

I agree with the other sisters. Gyn conditions other than cancer can throw off the CA-125. When was found to have a complex ovarian cyst, I wanted that test, but my GYN advised against it because my known conditions could throw it off and cause me unnecessary worry. (I still would have liked to have known what it was, but he was exactly right... I would have worried myself sick- unnecessarily)

It's not uncommon for ovaries to hide, or be adhesed to other structures causing them to be obscured from view. Hopefully your MRI will provide a better view and free you from some worry. (I know it's hard not to.) Hang in there and please keep us posted, okay?

Sending & gentle s,
Beth